GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department identified one of its officers who was killed in an off-duty motorcycle crash in Liberty Hill Friday morning.
APD said in a release the officer was Senior APD Officer Anthony “Tony” Martin, who had been with the department for over 16 years. APD said he was on his way home from a night shift when the crash happened.
Austin Cops for Charities set up a donation fund for Martin’s family.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the wreck took place just before 6 a.m. at the intersection of State Highway 29 and RM 1869.
DPS said a Lincoln MKZ car was headed east on SH 29, while a BMW motorcycle was headed westbound. The Lincoln tried to turn left onto RM 1869 but hit the motorcycle in the process.
The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. APD said it’s unknown at this time if charges were pending.
“The coroner came, and then that’s when the officers were saluting the other officer,” said Rani Collins, who works near where the crash happened. She saw the aftermath.
“It was horrible,” she said.
Liberty Hill Police Chief Royce Graeter, whose department responded to the crash, released the following statement to KXAN:
“This has all been very sad and devastating. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with the Officer’s family as well as with his APD family,” Graeter said.
KXAN spoke with Martin in August 2017, when he was recognized along with other officers and four citizens for lifting a car off a pinned bicyclist. You can watch his interview in the video player below.
The 100 Club of Central Texas also put out a statement Friday, saying, “our hearts are heavy with the news of a police officer killed in a traffic collision this morning. Our thoughts are with @Austin_Police and the family of SPO Martin today.”
A procession for Martin also took place in Georgetown Friday morning.
“Everyone just needs to love on their families right now,” said Collins. “Because nobody is promised tomorrow or the next day.”
Police said the Georgetown Fire Department and officers were blocking roads, but they have since reopened.
DPS said the crash is still under investigation, and SH 29 and RM 1869 are closed at the intersection. Traffic is being routed a different way.
The Liberty Hill Independent School District posted to social media saying the accident delayed bus transportation Friday morning.
Community rallies around family of fallen officer
Just hours after Officer Martin’s death, hundreds of Liberty Hill high school football fans gathered for the team’s homecoming game against Kerrville Tivy.
Booster teams like the Panther Pit Crew used the presence of the large crowd to help support Martin’s wife, a teacher in the district, and their daughter who is still in high school. The crew took donations from guests. All proceeds went to the family for the funeral or other expenses.
“It’s not us the Panther Pit Crew that’s doing all this. It’s the community that’s donating,” said Chad Becker, treasurer of the organization.
Before kickoff, the Liberty Hill varsity team carried a flag representing police during its entrance onto the field. The captains of the team then carried the flags to midfield for a moment of silence before singing the national anthem.
Superintendent Steven Snell said the gesture was just a small way for the district to pay its respects to Martin and show solidarity with his surviving family.
“We’re one big family. This is just one small gesture to show our love and support,” said Snell.
